Five essential things to know before you board the Paul Gauguin ship

Paul Gauguin Cruises sails to the islands and atolls in the South Pacific - Jason Xu

Named after the 19th-century French artist who found a new home in French Polynesia, Paul Gauguin is the sole ship of Paul Gauguin Cruises, now part of the Ponant Explorations Group. Carrying only 330 passengers, the vessel was designed with a low draught to be able to enter the lagoons of South Pacific islands and atolls the big cruise lines can’t reach.

Attentive crew include a small group of local entertainers and hosts known as Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines, who teach passengers about their home, crafts and traditions.

Three restaurants serve French-inspired Tahitian fare – the reservation-only La Veranda, the main dining room L’Etoile and Le Grill on the pool deck. Wi-Fi, tips and all food and drink – even champagne – are included in the fare, though you can choose to pay from the ​​Connoisseur Wine List if you wish to sip the likes of Veuve Clicquot, Dom Perignon and Louis Roederer Cristal.

Built in France in 1998, the ship has been extensively modernised by Paul Gauguin Cruises, which was founded in 2010. But be prepared for a long haul to paradise – getting to Tahiti involves a 22-hour flight from Paris, or an eight-hour leg from Los Angeles.

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1. Where does the Paul Gauguin cruise?

From its home port of the Tahitian capital Papeete, the Paul Gauguin normally sails on itineraries of between seven and 14 nights around the Society, Cook, Tuamotu and Marquesas islands. However, it sometimes ventures much farther afield to Fiji, Bali, Tonga, Australia and Singapore on voyages lasting up to 20 days. As well as Tahiti, the Society Islands include Moorea, Huahine, Tahaa, Bora Bora, Raiatea and the line’s private destination of Motu Mahana.

Evidence of ancient civilisations are found at many of these stops – Huahine has archaeological sites, stone structures and burial mounds while Raiatea is regarded as the first island to be inhabited in the region and the launching point for migrations to Hawaii, New Zealand and Easter Island.

Bora Bora in French Polynesia is one of the stops for Paul Gauguin Cruises - Julien Fabro/PONANT

Shore excursions on Huahine also include a tour of a vanilla plantation – the spice from here is renowned around the world – before visiting a sacred group of giant blue-eyed eels living in a stream. Bora Bora, a major US base in World War II, also houses Bloody Mary’s Bar which claims the patronage of stars including Rod Stewart, Harrison Ford and Leonardo di Caprio.

It’s now being incorporated into a new hotel complex. But the most relaxing destination is probably Motu Mahana where Paul Gauguin Cruises passengers have the island to themselves to enjoy a beachside barbecue.

Voyages around the Society Islands are often mixed with Cook Islands such as Aitutaki and Rarotonga. The 76 atolls in the Tuamotu islands are spread over more than 1.2 million square miles, while the rugged Marquesas lie nearly 1,000 miles north-east of Tahiti.

For those who like an even longer journey, the ship also occasionally sails from Singapore to Australia or Australia to Fiji. Wherever the Paul Gauguin travels, passengers can visit the retractable marina to use paddleboards, kayaks and snorkels, or take scuba classes.

2. Who does Paul Gauguin Cruises appeal to?

Paul Gauguin attracts a large number of Americans and Australians which is why, despite its very French influences, announcements are primarily given in English.

Around a quarter of passengers are first-time cruisers and one in five is a solo traveller. Foodies enjoy the high quality of meals on board – La Veranda restaurant, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, is like a top Paris venue but with panoramic sea views.

A tasting menu includes such French specialities as foie gras and snails, while special dishes might include a freshly caught moon fish. L’Etoile dining room has a daily changing evening menu while Le Grill offers a relaxed dinner on deck. Drinking venues include the cosy Piano Bar and outdoor Pool Bar.

The Piano Bar is cosy venue on board - Tim McKenna/PONANT

With only 330 people on board, and plenty of tables for two, you can socialise as much or as little as you like. For families, Paul Gauguin Cruises runs a free Moana Explorer programme for children aged from six to 15, offering interactive lessons about marine life and conservation with daily excursions, activities and games. Best of all, children aged 17 and under sail free as a third guest in a cabin. The single supplement is also waived for certain cabins on some sailings.

3. The Paul Gauguin Cruises fleet

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Paul Gauguin (330 passengers)

This seven-deck French ship with 209 crew is a minnow in the cruising world but still has room for a theatre, three restaurants, three bars and lounges, a pool, spa, small shop and a marina. All cabins have ocean views and nearly 70 per cent have balconies. The Paul Gauguin emerged from a seven-week dry dock in Singapore in April 2025 with eight new connecting staterooms, an improved pool deck with shaded cabana area, and a redesigned Le Grill restaurant.

Sails to: Society, Cook, Tuamotu and Marquesas islands, Fiji, Bali, Australia and Singapore

All cabins on Paul Gauguin have ocean views - Jules Roques/Studio PONANT

4. Loyalty scheme

Guests can sign up to be members of the Paul Gauguin Society on their first voyage, saving five per cent off the cost of their next cruise. This rises to a 12.5 per cent discount and other perks for those who have sailed 21 times or more.

5. Access for guests with disabilities

Paul Gauguin has two wheelchair-accessible cabins (numbers 415 and 416).

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